{Chapter 1}

"Oh those shots of you are awesome," Shelly said to Christy as they sat looking over the Knockouts section of tnawrestling.com on Shelly’s laptop in the catering area set up for the talent. Traci sat close by reading a magazine. Val, Jackie and Gail were chattering away about their next shopping trip.

"Yours came out great too," Christy said as she moved the mouse over the menu for Shelly’s latest pictures.

"Let’s see what headlines are on the main page," Shelly said and clicked the back button to get to the main page. She frowned as she read, clicking on the offending article. "I can’t believe that AJ was voted worst dressed again!"

Just then AJ headed over to the food, grabbing a plate and piling it with food. He wore a pair of ratty jeans, old scuffed sneakers and a T-shirt with a faded Batman symbol on it. All six pairs of eyes were on him as he gathered his food and drink. "Hello ladies," he said smiling as he walked past them headed to a table with his fellow X Division stars Samoa Joe, Christopher Daniels and Greg. The women all nodded to him.

Traci couldn’t help laughing once he was out of earshot. "Is it any wonder that he’s been voted worst dressed," she said giggling. "He wears something similar to that every time I see him."

"He doesn’t wear that all the time," Shelly said.

"Please! When doesn’t he have on a pair of ripped up jeans and a T-shirt that looks older than he is," Christy giggled.

"When he wears his sweats," Shelly replied causing the five other women to burst out laughing.

"I think I’d die of shock if he walked in here just once wearing something like what Christopher Daniels wears," Val laughed.

"He’d look good in dress pants and a nice button down shirt," Shelly said, growing more and more annoyed with her friends.

"I think he’s allergic to big boy clothes," Jackie laughed. Shelly closed her laptop and stood to leave.

"Don’t be mad," Gail said grabbing her wrist and pulling her back to the table. "It’s just that AJ’s been like this for as long as any of us can remember. It’s hard to picture him in anything else."

"Well, what if that changed," Shelly said getting a brilliant idea.

"I doubt that’ll happen," Christy chuckled.

"What if we took him on a shopping trip," Shelly suggested. They all looked at her like she had grown another head. "Come on. All he needs is a feminine touch."

"I believe that’s what he has a wife for," Traci replied.

"Do you always have to bring up the fact that he’s married," Shelly said with a groan. "All of the good ones are married, damn it."

"Or gay," Gail sighed.

"Seriously, girls," Shelly whined. "We could make him best dressed in TNA in no time."

"What’s in it for us," Jackie asked. Val and Christy nodded.

"It’s a chance to go shopping," Shelly replied. "What other reason do you need?"

"I’m in," Traci said after much thought. Shelly smiled.

"Count us in too," Gail said answering for Jackie, who nodded.

"I guess it would be fun to have him model some outfits for us," Val said after a moment of thought.

Shelly turned to Christy, who was silent. "I don’t know," the redhead replied. Shelly pouted at her. "Oh all right! Put away that lip, girl," she said rolling her eyes. "You’re shameless!"

"But you still love me," Shelly said hugging her.

"Now, how do we get the Styles man to agree," Traci asked.

"Leave that all to me," Shelly said standing and heading over to Styles’ table. Taking a seat next to him, she swiped a chip off his plate and popped it into her mouth, licking the salt off her fingers.

"Attractive," Greg teased.

"Shut it," she replied, glaring at him a moment. Joe and Daniels chuckled. She turned her gaze on Styles and smiled. "Hey AJ," she said sweetly. "Me and the girls were just about to head to the mall to do some shopping."

"What else is new," Greg muttered under his breath, earning him another glare from Shelly.

"We were wondering if you’d mind coming along," she continued. "You know to offer a man’s opinion and whatnot."

"I don’t know," AJ said hesitantly. "I mean, why would you want my opinion?"

"Yeah," Daniels interjected. "I could give you lovely ladies a hand."

"Or I could…if you really need a man’s opinion," Joe added.

"We’d really like AJ’s opinion, guys, but thanks," Shelly said.

"What are we? Chopped liver," Daniels asked.

"Of course not," Shelly replied. "It’s just that we know that AJ will be honest with us and not just say something that we want to hear."

"She’s got you there," Greg said shoveling some potato salad into his mouth. Joe smacked him upside the head, making him choke on his potato salad. Daniels just chuckled, shaking his head.

"Come on, AJ," Shelly whined, pouting. "We’ll let you drive and you can have control of the radio too. What do you say?"

"I still don’t know," he replied.

"We’ll buy you ice cream," Shelly said, desperate to get him to agree.

"Well, that closed the deal," Styles said chuckling. "Any flavor I want?"

"Any flavor you want," Shelly said smiling. "Great. We’ll meet you in the parking lot in say twenty minutes. Thanks so much, AJ. You’re a doll." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before heading off.

"Lucky bastard," Joe said punching Styles in the arm.

"Ow!"

"You are a lucky bastard," Daniels agreed. "Not only do you get to ride in a car full of hot women you get to have a free fashion show. God! Can you get any luckier?!"

"He’s all ours ladies," Shelly said with a smile as she headed back to her table.

"How’d you get him to go along with it," Gail asked.

"Told him we needed a man’s opinion on things," she replied. "Oh yeah and I promised him ice cream." They all laughed. "I told him we’d meet him in the parking lot in twenty minutes."

"This is going to either be incredibly fun or totally traumatic for that poor boy," Traci said shaking her head.

"Or both," Jackie added with a laugh.

"Let’s go, girls," Shelly said, becoming annoyed with her friends once again. They all gathered their things and followed her out to the parking lot.

{Chapter 2}

When AJ arrived where the ladies were waiting for him in the parking lot it was a little after one in the afternoon and the sun was shining brightly. He looked from one woman to the next giving each a nod to say hello. Shelly stood with a set of keys in her hand. With a wide smile she handed them over to him.

"We’re taking Traci’s SUV," Shelly said. "It’s the black one at the end of the first line of cars." She linked her arms through his and Christy’s as they walked to the car.

"All right, ladies," he said opening up the car and holding the doors open as they loaded in. "Don’t know if Shelly told you that I have control of the radio too." The girls nodded, though she had conveniently left out that part. "My taste in music tends to be all over the place so I hope you don’t mind."

"It’s fine, AJ," Traci said. "Just don’t change my presets. I have them all the way I like them."

"All right," he said, sliding in behind the wheel. "Everyone ready?" The ladies nodded.

He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. They all waved to Samoa Joe, Greg and Daniels, who were chit chatting outside the arena. The three men waved back, though Styles could see Daniels waving his fist at them in the rear view mirror. He chuckled and shook his head as he made a right, heading toward the mall.

"What do you say we have some music, Styles man," Val called from the back. She sat next to Traci. Shelly sat in the passenger seat. Christy managed to squeeze in between Styles and Shelly. Gail and Jackie were in the back row.

AJ turned on the radio and turned it to the first station he could find. Paris Hilton’s Stars Are Blind soon filled the car. Everyone listened in silence for a while, until Shelly heard humming coming from someone.

"You humming," she quietly asked Christy, who shook her head no. "She looked back at Gail and Jackie, who were quietly talking. Val was looking out the window and Traci was still flipping through magazines. None of them were humming as far as Shelly could tell. That only left one person. Leaning forward she listened closely and realized that it was AJ.

She nudged Christy. "AJ’s humming along with Paris Hilton," she whispered with a giggle. Christy giggled too, catching AJ’s attention.

"What’s so funny," he asked.

"Nothing," Christy said quickly.

"If you ladies expect me to go shopping with you then there better not be secrets," he said.

"Fine," Shelly said, unable to control her giggles. "I just find it funny that you’re humming along with Paris Hilton."

"It’s a catchy tune," he said switching the station in the middle of the song. Brooke Hogan’s About Us was on the next station.

"I love this song," Shelly and AJ yelled in unison. "I see your lips movin’ but I don’t hear nothing. Everybody talkin’ like they really know somethin’ about us." Everyone burst out laughing as AJ began to dance in his seat.

"What’s so funny now," he asked, glancing at the ladies behind him in the rear view mirror.

"It’s just that you should try a more manly tone to sing in," Gail said through her laughter.

"I didn’t know you could hit those high notes," Jackie giggled.

"Oh shut up," he grumbled. He was quiet for the rest of the song, pouting.

The Pussycat Dolls’ Buttons came on next. "I love this station! They play such good music," Shelly said turning the music up. AJ smiled and nodded that he did too.

"Please don’t tell me you’re going to hit those high notes again," Traci giggled. "Because I just may pee myself laughing if you do." AJ glared at her in the rear view mirror not answering her.

"Come on, AJ," Shelly said with a smile. "You know Snoop’s part. I’ve heard you before."

"AJ Styles is gonna rap," Val said with a giggle. "This I have to hear!"

"Don’t listen to them," Shelly encouraged. "Go on. You do it so well."

"Yeah, little mama you lookin’ good. I see you wanna play with a playa from the hood," AJ began. "Come holla at me, you got it like that. Big Snoop Dogg with the lead Pussycat. I show you how it go down, yeah I wanna go down. Me and you, one on one, treat you like a shorty. You look at me and I look at you. I reachin’ for your shirt. What you want me to do?"

"Go, AJ," Christy said applauding. Crimson crept up into his cheeks. "That was really good!"

"He can loosen up my buttons any day," Shelly whispered to Christy, who nudged her playfully and mouthed stop. "Aw, he’s blushing," Shelly teased. "Isn’t he so cute?!"

"That really was good," Traci said applauding. Gail, Jackie and Val all joined in the applause.

"Let’s see what else is on," AJ said switching the station.

He gave up soon when he couldn’t find anything he liked. He left the radio on just as background noise. He drove on in silence, listening to Gail and Jackie chatting and Val and Traci looking through a fashion magazine. Christy and Shelly were humming along to some random song on the radio. Soon Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time began to play.

"Oh baby, baby Oh baby, baby. How was I supposed to know that something wasn't right here? Oh baby baby. I shouldn't have let you go and now you're out of sight, yeah. Show me, how you want it to be. Tell me baby 'cause I need to know now what we've got," AJ sang, not realizing that the entire car was staring at him. He finally felt eyes on him and glanced over at his passengers with a sigh.

"Britney Spears," Christy said with a chuckle.

"Really, AJ, I had no idea you were such a fan," Shelly teased.

"Are you gonna have a smart ass comment for every song I sing along with," he demanded.

"Don’t change the subject," Traci said with a smirk. "Britney? You like Britney?"

"Her older stuff, not the new stuff," AJ replied with a sigh. "It’s cute and I use it as background noise when I’m driving."

"Don’t lie," Val teased. "Fess up. You have all her CDs."

"All right," AJ yelled. "So what if I do?!" Everyone began to laugh. "So, I like bubblegum pop! It reminds me of when I was a kid!"

"All right," Shelly said getting her giggles under control. "Let AJ like Britney if he wants to. Not all of her music is cheesy." Christy couldn’t help giggling. She buried her face in Shelly’s shoulder to keep from laughing in AJ’s face.

AJ glared at them before turning his attention back to the road. Everyone quieted down when they saw how serious he had gotten. "We’re really sorry," Gail said, trying to smooth things over.

"We were just having some fun, AJ," Jackie said. "Britney is pretty cool."

"It’s all right," he muttered. "I suppose it was pretty funny. If Chris or Joe had seen me they’d really lay into me. Guess I’m lucky it was only you girls."

"Yeah," Shelly said. "I can only imagine how brutal Joe would have been." She leaned forward and turned up the radio. "I love this song!" Fergie’s Fergalicious began to play and everyone began to sing along, dancing in their seats.

"This is so much fun," Val said giggling. "I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun going to the mall."

"We really should do this more often, ladies," AJ said smiling. "It’s nice to not have to be such a macho man all the time."

"Since when are you macho," Shelly teased.

"You want me to turn this car around," AJ teased back.

"Shut up," Shelly said pointing to the radio. "I love this song." She began to dance as Akon’s Smack That began to play.

"Me too," AJ said smiling. "I feel you creepin’, I can see it from my shadow. Wanna jump up in my Lamborghini Gallardo. Maybe go to my place and just kick it like Tae Bo. And possibly bend you over look back and watch me smack that all on the floor."

"This is my dream come true," Shelly groaned to Christy. "AJ Styles talking about spanking and just my luck I’m in a car full of chicks going to the mall." Christy shook her head with a giggle.

"Smack that give me some more. Smack that 'till you get sore," AJ sang on.

"He’s killing me," Shelly said burying her face in Christy’s shoulder. Christy just shrugged her off with a giggle.

"Cut it out," the redhead hissed. "He’s a married man."

"I know," Shelly groaned. "Don’t remind me!"

"We’re here," AJ said pulling into the mall parking lot. He grabbed the ticket from the machine and let the arm go up before pulling in to park. "Make sure you all have your own credit cards and cash, ‘cause the Styles man is travelin’ light today."

"Cheap skate," Shelly teased, pouting. "You’re not even going to pay for parking?"

"It was your idea to come to the mall," AJ said as he locked up. "Why should I pay?"

"Because you’re a gentleman," Traci said with a smirk.

"All right," AJ sighed. "Remind me to stop at an ATM on the way out of the mall."

"That’s a good boy," Gail said patting him on the head.

"What am I a dog," he asked.

"And we didn’t need to waste any time training you," Jackie giggled.

"This is going to be a long afternoon, isn’t it," he asked with a sigh.

"Possibly," Val replied with a smirk. "But how often do you get to spend an afternoon with six hot chicks?"

"I see your point," he replied, brightening up. "Shall we, ladies?" He held open the door for them all, watching them enter the mall and wondering what he had gotten himself into.

{Chapter 3}

As AJ entered the mall with the girls he gazed around at all of the clothing and shoe stores and groaned, knowing that it would be a long afternoon. As they walked past a music store Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie began to play. AJ stopped in his tracks a smile spreading over his face.

"I LOVE THIS SONG," he said and began to bop to the music. "We have to go into this store!"

"AJ, we only have a couple of hours before we have to be back for the Impact tapings," Shelly said glancing at her watch. It was almost two o’clock and they needed to be sure to be back by seven.

AJ grabbed her hand and began to dance around with her. "Loosen up," he said. "We can make one little pit stop for some music." He spun her around and dipped her.

Feeling the blush creeping up into her cheeks she pried herself from his arms. "Fine," she replied, straightening her shirt nervously, hoping her friends didn’t detect the blush.

"Are you all right," Christy whispered to her as they followed a dancing AJ into the store. "You practically chewed your arm off to get away from him."

"Fine," Shelly replied. "And let’s just leave it at that." Christy stifled a giggle.

As the last strains of Hips Don’t Lie resonated through the store the Spice Girls Wannabe began blasting. Shelly pinched the bridge of her nose as the singing began.

"Oh God," Shelly groaned, knowing she’d have the song stuck in her head for the rest of the day. "This is what the seventh circle of hell sounds like." Christy giggled as did Gail, Val, Jackie and Traci.

"What are you talking about," AJ asked as he browsed through a rack of music. "The Spice Girls are the shit!"

"AJ, you seriously scare me sometimes," Shelly replied shaking her head. "I’ll be looking at the rock section."

"I’m coming with you," Christy called.

Traci and Val decided to check out the rocker shirts. Jackie and Gail were checking out the memorabilia section of the store. Shelly and Christy browsed through some rock albums before getting bored with the store.

"You ready to go yet, Styles man," Shelly asked. He was at the register already.

"There you go, sir," the teenager behind the register said offering him a bright smile as she handed him his bag.

"What’d you get," Shelly asked trying to peek into his bag.

"No," AJ said grasping the bag tightly. "You’ll probably just laugh at me."

"I am shocked and appalled that you think such a thing of me," Shelly said.

"He does have a point," Traci said smirking. "You do have a tendency to be relentless with the teasing."

"Not helping, Trace," Shelly said.

"Not trying, Shell," Traci replied.

"Fine," AJ sighed. "Have a look, but no comments on my taste in music."

He handed over the bag and she browsed through it. There were three CDs in the bag; two Spice Girls and a Jessica Simpson. She looked at him, quirking a brow.

"Give me the bag," he demanded. "I told you no comments."

"I didn’t say a word," Shelly protested as she handed over the bag.

AJ snatched the bag back, glaring at her. "You didn’t have to," he said. "It’s written all over your face. So, I like bubblegum pop. What’s the problem with that?"

"Hey AJ, NSYNC and Backstreet Boys albums are only $1.99," Val teased. Traci and Gail had to stifle giggles.

"Do you want me to drive you all back to the arena now," he asked.

"NO," Shelly said. "We’ll be good. We promise. Right girls?" The others nodded.

"All right," AJ said. "So, where are we going first?"

"Hmm….so many stores," Traci said. "Why don’t we try that one over there?" She pointed across the way to a store with trendy clothes on mannequins in the windows. With a sigh AJ followed the girls to the store, taking a seat near the dressing areas while they picked out some clothes to try on.

"All right, girls," Shelly said. "Someone wander into the men’s section and pick out something nice for AJ."

"I’m on it," Val said, glancing around to see where AJ was. With a nod she wandered into the men’s section of the store and picked out a nice pair of jeans that almost looked like dress pants and a blue and white pin striped dress shirt. "AJ, these would look fabulous on you," she said finding him. "You should totally try them on."

"I thought that we were here to find things for you girls," he said suspiciously.

"Who says you can’t pick up some new things too," Val replied. "Go on. Try them on. Please? For me?"

"All right," AJ sighed. He took the jeans and shirt from Val and went into the dressing room.

"Worked like a charm," Val said winking at Shelly.

A few moments later AJ exited the dressing room wearing the outfit Val had picked out. "I don’t know if this outfit is really me," he said looking at himself in the mirror.

"Oh, AJ, you look gorgeous," Val said. "You need new shoes to go with the outfit though. She browsed around the racks of men’s shoes. She picked up a pair of brown dress shoes and handed them to AJ. "Try these on. I think they’ll be perfect!"

AJ sighed, sitting down and slipping off his sneakers and slipping on the dress shoes. He stood and looked at his reflection at the complete outfit. He hated to admit it, but he did look good.

So, what’s the verdict," Traci asked admiring Val’s handy work.

"I like it," he said smiling. "The blue really brings out my eyes."

"Don’t let the guys hear you say that," Shelly teased. AJ chuckled, heading back into the dressing room to change. When he emerged a few moments later he took the complete outfit to the register and paid for the items by credit card.

"We need to make it look like we’re really here for clothes, ladies," Shelly said seeing him heading back their way.

Christy and Val checked out some dresses. Traci and Gail were looking at bikinis. Shelly and Jackie checked out some jewelry and hair accessories.

"Let me know when you need my opinion ladies," AJ said smiling as he took a seat with his purchases.

"Val, you have to try this dress on," Christy said pulling out a white dress. "You could wear it ringside." Val smiled, taking it and going into the dressing room.

She emerged several minutes later wearing a white dress that had rhinestones for straps. It created a corset type effect across her bust line. The bodice was form fitting, creating a perfect hourglass shape. It came to just below her buttocks.

"What do you think, AJ," she asked twirling for him.

AJ had to clear his throat before responding. He couldn’t form a thought looking at her. The dress really was gorgeous on her. "You look beautiful," he replied forcing a smile, though he was suddenly aware of a problem arising in his pants. He crossed his legs and continued to force the smile, hoping he looked casual enough.

"Well, that settles it," Val said smiling. "This baby is coming home with me."

"Val, these shoes would go perfect with it," Shelly said handing her a pair of white strappy heels with rhinestones across the toes.

"I love them," Val exclaimed. "Must have them!" She grabbed the shoes and tried them on, examining herself in the mirror. "LOVE THEM!" She took them off and headed to the register to pay for her items.

"Let’s head to the next store," Shelly suggested.

"You ladies go on ahead of me," AJ suggested. "I’ll catch up with you. I just have a cramp in my leg."

"We can wait for you," Christy suggested.

"No," AJ replied a little too quickly. "I’ll find you girls. Go on ahead of me."

"All right," Jackie said. "I think we’ll check out that store across the way." She said pointing to another shop with trendy clothes in the window. He nodded and waved them on.

"What is wrong with you, man," he muttered to himself. "You’re a married man. You have to remember that." He took a few deep breaths, which seemed to help with his problem. Now able to walk around without an embarrassment he headed to the next store, dreading the next outfit to be tried on.

{Chapter 4}

"Girls, wouldn’t this look great on AJ," Traci asked. She held up a pair of black dress pants and a button down shirt that was sky blue.

"It’ll bring out his eyes," Shelly nodded.

"It’s really scary how much you stalk that boy," Jackie said with chuckle. Shelly shoved her playfully shooting her a death glare.

"Ooh this shirt is nice too," Traci said holding up a white shirt with a blue pattern to it.

"I thought we were shopping for things for you ladies," AJ said entering the store. He looked from Traci to Shelly to the rest of the ladies. "Why do I get the feeling that I’ve been lied to?"

"Not lied to," Shelly said. "We did want to go shopping. Can we help it if we see things that will look good on you?"

AJ sighed and held out his hand. "Give me them," he said. "I’ll try them on." Traci handed over the clothes she was holding up.

"Oh wait," she said and grabbed a few more shirts and a couple of more pairs of pants in various colors. AJ glared at her. "It doesn’t hurt to try on other things," she said handing them over.

AJ headed into the changing room and exited a few moments later wearing the black dress pants and the sky blue shirt. "What did I tell you, girls," Shelly said smiling. "The blue brings out his eyes."

"Why do I get the feeling that I should shave my head and take up martial arts," AJ said, though he had to admit that he looked good in the outfit.

"Is that a dig at Christopher Daniels," Shelly asked, scrunching up her nose. "That was really weak, AJ."

"Shut up," he muttered going back into the changing room.

He came out a few moments later with the print shirt on this time wearing a pair of khaki colored pants. He smiled when the ladies all cat called him. The reaction was the same with the other outfits as well, which made him chuckle and shake his head. His wife would certainly be surprised when he came home with his new wardrobe.

"I have to try this on," Traci exclaimed as AJ headed to the register with his purchases. He groaned inwardly seeing that she had picked out things from the lingerie section. She disappeared into a changing stall before he could say anything.

When she emerged a few moments later she was wearing a pink and black lace corset with matching panties, garter and thigh high fishnet stockings. "Oh God," AJ muttered. "Uh…Traci," he said rushing over to a rack of clothes. He pulled out a black mini skirt with pink lacing up either thigh and a pale pink button down shirt. "Wouldn’t that look nice with this?"

"Look at you," Val said taking the outfit and holding it up to Traci. "I think we have a winner here."

"Who would have thought you have some fashion sense," Traci said taking the outfit and heading back into the stall.

"What’s that supposed to mean," AJ demanded, forgetting the vision of Traci in next to nothing.

"Nothing," Shelly said. "We just didn’t know you could put together women’s clothes so nicely."

"I know what looks good," AJ said crossing his arms across his chest and pouting.

"Good," Traci said exiting the stall. The skirt hit her mid-thigh and she wore the shirt open as a jacket instead of buttoning it. "Then pick out a pair of shoes to go with this outfit."

"Fine, I will," AJ said shoving his bags at Shelly. She took them, and glanced at her friends, with a smirk. AJ came back a few minutes later and handed Traci a pair of three inch heeled black boots that came to mid-calf.

"Very nice," Traci said smiling as she admired herself in the mirror. "I am most definitely getting this outfit. Thanks, AJ," she said and gave him a kiss on the cheek before heading into the stall to change.

"I am so proud of you," Shelly said handing him back his bags.

"That would look great on you," he said motioning toward a royal blue halter dress with an asymmetrical hemline. "Maybe to wear ringside when you’re managing Rhino?" He pulled it off the rack and pulled her over to the mirror, holding it up in front of her. "You could wear your hair up with some curls cascading down. You’d look gorgeous."

Traci cleared her throat before AJ could say anymore. Shelly breathed a sigh of relief when he pulled away and turned to look at Traci. She was sure that she would have been a puddle on the floor if she had to listen to him practically whispering in her ear for one more second.

"Care to blow this popsicle stand," Traci said with a smirk.

"Hang on," AJ said grabbing a pair of blue strappy sandals with rhinestone accents at the toes. "These would go great with the dress," he said handing them to Shelly and ushering her into the changing stall.

With a sigh she reluctantly tried on the dress AJ had picked out. To her surprise she liked what she saw in the mirror. She pulled her hair up and let a few curls cascade, smiling at her reflection.

"Are you gonna let us see or what," Gail called popping her gum.

"Calm your nerves," Shelly called. She checked her reflection one last time before exiting the stall.

"Didn’t I tell you it would look gorgeous on you," AJ exclaimed. "Damn I’m good!"

Shelly rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself," she said heading back into the stall to change back into her sweats and T-shirt. "I’m not buying it."

"Why not," he demanded.

"Yeah," Traci replied. "I bet Rhino would be falling all over himself if you wore that to accompany him to the ring." Val, Gail and Jackie all agreed.

"Face it, sweety, you looked like a million bucks," Christy replied. "You should totally get it."

"I don’t want to give Rhino a heart attack," Shelly replied. "And its not like I need Raven drooling over me anymore than he already does."

"Enough excuses. If you're not gonna but it then I’ll buy it for you," AJ said taking the dress and the shoes to the cashier.

"AJ, wait," Shelly called catching up with him. "What will your wife think when she sees that on your credit card bill?"

"I pay my own bill," AJ replied, pulling out his wallet and handing the card to the cashier. Before Shelly could think of something to say in response he was handing her the bag. "Consider it an early birthday present."

"Thank you," she said forcing a smile as she took the bag from him. "You know what this means?" He quirked a brow at her. "My treat for you in the next store we head to."

"That’s a deal," he said slinging an arm around her shoulders. "What do you say we get that ice cream you promised me? All this shoppin’ has made me hungry." Shelly chuckled and allowed him to steer her out of the store.

"Oh! Look at the cute little kitties," Christy exclaimed as they passed a pet store. Various colors of kittens were on display in the window and Christy began to run her fingers along the glass, giggling as the kittens chased them.

"Oh they are so cute," Shelly said joining Christy. Gail, Jackie, Val and Traci all joined the two as well. As the women cooed at the kittens AJ stood off to the side, his smile replaced by a melancholy look. Shelly noticed and joined him. "What’s wrong?"

"Nothin’," he replied, sniffling.

"AJ, you can tell me," Shelly said seeing the unshed tears shining in his eyes. "What’s wrong?"

"It’s just that…I used to have a kitten when I was a kid," he replied turning away from her and sniffling again. "Her name was Puddlepuff." Shelly forced back the giggle at the name. "She was my best friend." AJ’s blue eyes took on a dreamy look as he remembered his childhood pet. "She was the sweetest thing. I loved when she’d curl up at my feet and sleep with me." He finally allowed the tears to fall. "Then one day she got out of the house and….and…" He got choked up.

"What happened, AJ," Shelly gasped.

"She was hit by a car," AJ exclaimed, burying his face in her shoulder as he cried.

"It’s all right," she soothed while throwing her friends a helpless look. "How about we head to the food court and get that ice cream, huh?"

AJ pulled away from her, sniffling. "Ok," he said still sniffling.

"Here, AJ," Val said handing him her handkerchief.

"Thanks," he said blowing his nose long and hard on it.

"You keep that," Val said, cringing. "I have plenty more at home."

"Thanks again, Val," AJ said stuffing it into his pocket. "You’re all really good friends."

"We must be," Shelly muttered to Christy. "I didn’t even mock him for naming a cat Puddlepuff." Christy elbowed her in the ribs and shot her a look. "To the food court!"

{Chapter 5}

"This is totally going to my thighs," Traci said as she dug into her sundae. "I should just smear it on them and save them a trip through my digestive system."

"I’d pay to see that," they all heard from behind them. Turning they saw Daniels, Joe and Greg sitting at a table, trays of half eaten food in front of them.

"Which one of you said that," Shelly demanded, hands on her hips. Joe and Daniels pointed to Greg.

"Huh," Greg exclaimed as Shelly made her way over to the table. "It was Joe! I swear it was!" Shelly smacked Greg upside the head. "OW!"

"I know it was Joe, but I can’t smack him upside the head," Shelly said smiling. "He’d kill me."

"I would never hurt a lovely lady," Joe said taking her hand and kissing the back of it. She pulled her hand free, forcing a smile.

"Have I mentioned how creepy it is when you flirt, Joe," she said sweetly.

"Why creepy," he asked, quirking a brow.

"You’re more like the big brother type," she replied, looking to her friends for help.

"Face it, Joe," Christy said patting the big man on the shoulder. "You’re not AJ Styles."

"Shut it, Christy," Shelly said through gritted teeth. She looked to see where AJ was and sighed in relief as he was still busy getting his ice cream.

"Oh, I see," Joe said looking at AJ eating his ice cream as he approached the group. "You have a crush on Golden Boy."

"Yes, all right," Shelly hissed. "And I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything about it anymore."

"What, that you love AJ’s chiseled abs," Joe said loudly.

"JOE," Shelly hissed as AJ got closer.

"That AJ’s eyes make you….." Shelly clamped a hand over Joe’s mouth and plopped into his lap. Shelly glared at him and he motioned with his eyes that he would behave. She removed her hand and attempted to get up, but Joe held her there. "Be nice or I blab your secret." With a sigh Shelly stayed put.

"Hey, what are you guys doing here," AJ asked.

"I picked up a new digital camera," Daniels said picking it up and showing AJ. He snapped a picture of Greg with a mouthful of fries. "See?" He showed them the picture.

"Attractive," Shelly giggled. Greg’s eyes were half closed making him look like he was high and his mouth was open, mid-chew. "I love the way the bits of french fry stick to your teeth."

"That’s my new MySpace pic," Daniels said chuckling.

"Can I see that, Chris," Greg asked. Daniels nodded and handed the camera over to him. With a wicked smirk he snapped a picture of Shelly sitting in Joe’s lap. He was whispering something in her ear and she was smiling, making the scene look much more intimate than it really was. "Make that your new MySpace pic," he said handing the camera back to Daniels.

"Or you can just hit the delete button," Shelly said taking the camera and deleting the pic.

"Oh man! I was gonna use that," Daniels pouted.

"The day is still young, Chris," Shelly said handing the camera back to him. "There’s plenty of opportunities out there to snap embarrassing pictures."

"You’re right," Daniels said setting the camera down and digging into his food again.

"Can we hurry up here," Christy asked as she finished up her cone. "I want AJ to pick out something for me in the next store." Daniels, Joe and Greg gave AJ quizzical looks. "You guys would not believe this man’s fashion sense!" Again they looked at AJ.

"I’ll help you, Christy," AJ muttered. "Just shut up, please."

"Shelly, show them the gorgeous dress AJ picked out for you," Christy said ignoring AJ’s pleading. "Oooh and Traci you have to show them your outfit!" Val, Jackie and Gail all snickered when AJ’s cheeks turned beet red.

"Is there something you’d like to tell us, AJ," Greg asked.

"Or would you like to just hand over your man card now," Joe teased.

"All right! I picked out a couple of outfits," AJ said. "Jesus!" He tossed his ice cream in the trash and stormed off.

"Thanks a lot guys," Shelly said going after him.

"Did I say something wrong," Christy asked, confused.

"Come on, Red," Traci said with a sigh. "We should catch up with them."

"Yeah, before Shelly corners the poor boy and rapes him," Gail giggled.

"That’s not nice," Val said, though she couldn’t stop herself from giggling.

"Yeah," Jackie added. "Shelly would never rape AJ. Fondle maybe, but definitely not rape." Everyone broke into a fit of the giggles as they hurried to catch up with Shelly and AJ.

"We just gonna sit here and let them get away," Joe asked.

"Hell no," Daniels said finishing off his drink. "Something tells me that there will be loads of embarrassing pics to snap now!"

"Let’s go," Greg said finishing off his soda and dumping all of the trays in the trash.

"AJ! Wait up," Shelly called as she caught up with him. "Don’t let them get to you. I love the dress you picked out for me. You have good taste and you shouldn’t be ashamed of it."

"Yeah," AJ said sighing. "I just hate being teased."

"Then you need to tease back," Shelly replied. "I find that teasing is more fun when you tease back. It becomes friendly banter rather than someone being mocked."

"I don’t know if I could do that," AJ replied.

"Sure you can," Shelly said seeing the girls headed her way, snickering. "Watch."

"Oh good," Gail said smiling. "You didn’t rape him."

"Of course not," Shelly replied. "My name isn’t Good Time Gail." Gail’s smile turned to shock. "See, AJ, it’s easy to tease."

"That seemed a little mean," AJ said. "And what was that about raping me?"

"Nothing," Shelly said shooting Gail and the others a death glare. "How about we head to the next store so you can pick out a dress for Christy?"

"All right," AJ said a little confused by the swift change of subject.

Once in the next store Christy perused the racks, sighing when she couldn’t find anything she liked. "How about this," AJ said holing up an emerald green dress. "It’s a little short, but I think you’d look great in this color."

Christy squealed excitedly and snatched the dress from him. She headed into the changing stall, pulling closed the curtain that was used as a door. Just as she disappeared behind the curtain Greg, Joe and Daniels arrived.

"Finally," Greg said plopping down in a chair near the changing stall. "Do you know how many damn stores are in this mall?"

"Too many," Joe sighed taking the seat next to him.

"Who invited you guys along," Shelly demanded.

"We can give you honest opinions too," Joe replied and mouthed something about her secret.

"Fine," Shelly sighed.

"What do you guys think," Christy asked coming out of the changing stall. The dress’ neckline was almost down to her navel and as AJ had said it was quite short.

AJ’s eyes went wide, unable to believe he had picked that out. He didn't realize the neckline was so open. He had thought it was backless. Greg’s jaw was practically on the floor. Daniels was speechless, as was Joe.

"Is this a joke," Traci asked, looking at the dress.

"There is no way in hell Christy could wear that on TV," Gail exclaimed. "Not without those black censor bars!"

"Maybe this would work for the clubs," Christy said looking at her reflection. "Definitely not good for Impact or pay-per-views." She sighed and headed back to the changing stall. "I’m gonna change."

"Great job, AJ," Greg teased.

"Shut up," AJ said. "Let’s see you pick out something better, smart ass."

"Fine, I will," Greg said. He headed over to the racks and pulled a mini skirt and halter top off of them. "This will look perfect on Christy." He headed to the changing stall and knocked.

"Just a second," Christy replied, but Greg misunderstood her. He swept the curtain open, revealing a topless Christy. "GREG," she squealed, covering her exposed flesh with one hand and her panties with the other.

"Sorry," Greg exclaimed, his face turning three shades of red. He tossed the outfit at her and ran away.

Daniels snapped a picture of Christy, chuckling. "That is definitely going on MySpace," he said.

"Give me that," Shelly said snatching the camera from him and deleting the picture. She quickly closed the curtain. "All three of you out!"

"Way to go, dipshit," Joe said shoving Greg. "You had to go showing the whole damn store Christy’s perfect breasts."

"I didn’t see you complaining in there," Greg replied and turned his attention to Daniels, who was pouting over the picture being deleted. "And you! You just had to go taking a picture of Christy, right?"

"I was just joking around," Daniels replied.

"Well, you just ruined the rest of my afternoon," Joe said smacking Daniels upside the head. They took seats on the bench outside the store. All three watched longingly as Shelly disappeared behind the curtain, no doubt in an effort to console her embarrassed friend.

{Chapter 6}

"Can we head to Victoria’s Secret next," Jackie asked as the group headed toward a pizza shop on that level to grab sodas. "Charlie’s going to be home this weekend."

"Oooh, planning a welcome home party for two," Gail asked with a giggle.

"Of course," Jackie smiled paying for the sodas. "I could really use a man’s opinion on this one, AJ."

"You sure you want his opinion, Jack," Traci said casting a glare in AJ’s direction. "After what he picked out for Christy?"

"I made a mistake," AJ grumbled sipping his soda.

"It was a pretty color," Christy said sticking up for him.

"The neckline was down to your freaking navel," Traci replied, still glaring at AJ.

"How was I supposed to know that was the damn neckline," AJ exploded. "I thought it was backless!"

"Let it go already, Trace," Shelly said linking her arm through AJ’s. "No harm no foul. It’s not like Christy went ahead and bought the damn thing." Traci responded by sticking her tongue out at Shelly. "Really mature," she replied and returned the gesture.

As the group headed into Victoria’s Secret Joe, Daniels and Greg all perked up. Joe stood and made his way over to the lingerie store. Greg and Daniels exchanged worried glances and followed him.

"Shell will probably just throw us out, Joe," Greg called as he and Daniels hurried to catch up.

"Can’t kick us out if we’re not in," Joe replied taking a seat on a bench right outside the store.

"I like how your mind works, friend," Daniels said slinging an arm around Joe’s shoulders.

Joe glared at him and shrugged his arm off. "I’m not your friend," he replied making Daniels gulp. "Touch me again and I’ll end your career." Daniels moved over on the bench, practically knocking Greg to the floor.

Meanwhile inside the store the girls were helping Jackie pick out something for Charlie’s homecoming. Shelly made her way to a rack further away from the group and began looking through some lace teddies of all different colors.

"Hey baby," she heard a familiar male voice say. "What do you say I take you out to dinner and you can show me Victoria’s Secret?"

"Raven," Shelly asked when the man came into view.

Raven realized who he was talking to and blushed. "Hey, Shell…what are you doing in here?"

Shelly crossed her arms across her chest, a smirk curling her lips. "The better question is what are you doing in here? Does that line actually ever work for you?"

"I don’t know," Raven admitted. "I decided to try it out just now. Don’t change the subject. I asked you a question, young lady."

"Settle down, gramps," Shelly teased. "I’m here with the girls helping Jackie pick out something to wear when Charlie gets home." He glanced over at the other girls and nodded. "So, are you shopping for a date?"

"Yeah," Raven replied distracted by Gail handing Jackie a bra and panty set. He then realized what he had admitted. "No," he said quickly. "They don’t sell those here," he said chuckling nervously.

Shelly shook her head with a chuckle. "You’re pitiful," she said. "I honestly do not know how the male species has survived over the millennia."

"If you’re here to help Jackie why aren’t you with the group," he demanded. "Is it because you don’t like fancy underpants like these?" He held up an black lace thong. He then eyed her up and down. Shelly slapped him upside the head. "Sorry, I was trying to picture you in the thong."

"Ugh! You’re despicable," she groaned. "You’re a pig."

"And you like ‘em dirty, right babe," he replied snorting like a pig. Shelly grabbed him by the ear and led him toward the group. Traci, Gail and Val giggled. AJ smirked seeing Shelly manhandling Raven the way she was. Christy just shook her head knowing he had said something to offend her friend.

"This man is a pig," Shelly stated to her friends.

"What else is new," Gail replied with a shrug.

"I think we need to teach him a lesson," Shelly replied smiling.

"I like the sound of that," Raven said smirking.

"Quiet you," Shelly said pinching his ear tighter.

"Oh you make it hurt so good," Raven replied blowing her a kiss.

"Shut up," Shelly said glaring at him. She turned her attention to Traci with a smile. "Care to deal with him, sweety?"

"Oh yeah," Traci said setting down her soda. She pulled the clip out of her jet black hair and shook it down so that it cascaded past her shoulders. Sauntering over to Raven she ran her hands down his chest to rest on his belt buckle. "My, my you’re a big strong man," she said. The others looked on shaking their heads at the antics.

Raven was blissfully unaware of anything going on around him. Shelly let go of his ear, standing back to watch Traci’s handiwork. In one swift motion the buxom brunette had depantsed him. Raven stood there with a dreamy look in his eyes as his jeans slid down leaving him standing in his boxers.

"Sir," the clerk exclaimed. "Pull up your pants and leave!"

Raven blushed deep crimson as he pulled up his jeans. He turned his attention to Traci and smirked. "If you wanted me naked all you had to do was ask," he said.

"Sir! Out," the clerk said pointing toward the exit.

"I’m goin’," he called leaving the store.

He found Joe, Daniels and Greg sitting outside staring into the store as Jackie came out of the changing room wearing a black silk number. She scrunched up her nose and the girls agreed with her. The guys groaned when she went back into the changing room with a new outfit.

Raven took a seat next to Joe and chuckled. "You guys are pathetic," he said.

"No more than you getting depantsed and then kicked out," Joe replied.

"Ladies," AJ said having seen Raven join the others on the bench outside. "You have an audience." He pointed to the guys and waved. They all flipped him off.

"Let them watch," Shelly said with a shrug then she got an idea. "AJ, wanna make them really jealous?" He nodded, interested to see what she had in mind. "Follow my lead." She went over to Gail, Val, Christy and Traci to tell them her plan. The girls nodded with a smile.

As the guys on the bench watched Shelly sat down in AJ’s lap, whispering something in his ear. He got an ear to ear grin and it wasn’t long before he was standing, taking her hand and leading her into one of the changing rooms. The guys all exchanged glances, unsure what was going on.

"He’s married," Daniels said shaking his head. "He wouldn’t cheat on Wendy….would he?"

"Of course not," Joe replied.

As they continued to watch Gail headed to the changing room door looking very pissed. She began to pound on the door. The door opened and AJ came out, shirtless and lipstick smeared all over his mouth. Gail proceeded to yell at him, but calmed down when he took her hand and led her into the changing room.

"What the hell just happened there," Raven demanded.

"Looks like they plan on having a threesome," Daniels said, shocked.

As they watched Val headed over to the changing room, some items in her hand. She knocked on the door and was shocked to see AJ open the door. He spoke to her a moment before taking her into the room with him and the others. All four men groaned.

"Damn I wish I could be a fly on the wall in there," Joe groaned.

"When did AJ become such a pimp," Greg asked.

Traci and Christy finally approached the changing room, curious to see what was going on. Once again AJ answered the door. The three spoke, Traci caressing his bare chest the whole time. It wasn’t long before they too were invited in.

"How the hell many people can fit in those damn stalls," Raven asked.

"I don’t know and I don’t care," Joe replied.

"Looks like the orgy’s over," Greg said.

They watched as everyone came out one by one fixing their disheveled clothes. Each girl gave AJ a kiss on the cheek, smiling at him dreamily. All four men outside looked on jealously. AJ looked to his exiled friends smirking before flipping them off and sticking out his tongue at them.

"Motherfucker," Raven growled getting to his feet. Joe, Daniels and Greg restrained him.

"You did great," Shelly said smiling seeing Raven being restrained. "Oh wait. You still have some lipstick on your cheek," she said wiping it away. She waved at the men outside and blew them a kiss as she snuggled up to AJ.

"Still showing off for them," AJ asked with a smile. Shelly blushed. "Hey, I know you have a crush on me." Her blush deepened as she began to sip her soda. "I think it’s cute and as long as you understand that I’m married and very much in love with my wife we’ll be fine."

"I do understand," Shelly said truthfully. "Can’t blame a girl for dreaming right?" He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her, giving her a squeeze. "How did you find out?"

"You’re not very subtle," he replied with a chuckle as they took seats by the changing room.

"What do you mean," Shelly said shoving him away. As if in slow motion her soda toppled from her hands, landing on the crotch of AJ’s jeans.

"You got extra ice, didn’t you," he asked in a high pitched voice as he jumped to his feet. She nodded, her hands covering her mouth and her cheeks flushing. "That’s what I thought."

"Yes," Daniels cried whipping out his camera. He ran to the store and snapped a pic of AJ. "Now that is my new MySpace pic!" The other men were laughing so hard that tears were coming to their eyes.

"I will shove that damn camera down your throat," AJ growled at Daniels.

"Leave him," Jackie said having finally decided on something and purchased it. "Come on. I’ll buy you some new clothes to wear out of the mall." She led him out into the mall and across the way to a men’s wear store. The others following them out of the store glaring at Daniels.

Shelly tried to swipe the camera from him, but she was too slow. "Not this time, sweety," he said shoving the camera in his back pocket. He stood there with a smug smile on his face. She grumbled something under her breath and caught up with her friends.

{Chapter 7}

"I think you look good," Jackie said following AJ out of the store. He was wearing a new pair of jeans, ones that weren’t quite as baggy and torn as his old ones.

"I don’t know," he said stretching and flexing in them. "I can’t really move as well in these. They’re too tight." He bent over right in front of Shelly, trying to loosen the jeans up.

She groaned, fighting the urge to pinch his ass. "Can we get going," she said looking at her watch. "We only have a couple of more hours left before we have to head back for the Impact taping."

AJ straightened up and nodded, leading the way. Along the way he got distracted by a video game/comic book store. "I just wanna check something out," he said heading inside. The ladies followed him, groaning at all of the teens playing the demos.

"Damn it, Jay," Sabin yelled, drawing Shelly’s attention. "You gotta press the Y button!" She followed the sound of the voice to the back of the store where Sabin, Lethal and Dutt were playing a demo.

"I’m trying," Lethal yelled. "Not my last ship! NO! My last ship!"

"You suck at this game, Jay," Sonjay said giggling.

"Shut up," Lethal growled.

"You really do suck," Sabin said. "This is the fourth time you’ve lost on the first level."

"Lethal," AJ said joining the group. "You still trying to be a gamer?"

"Shut up, Styles," Lethal said.

"Boys," Shelly said shaking her head. "I will never understand a man’s fascination with toys. You’re not happy unless you’re playing with something." She sighed loudly. "Unfortunately for you, Sabin, you play with something a little too much."

"Would you like to play with it," Sabin asked wriggling his eyebrows at her.

"You wish," Shelly replied.

"I do actually," Sabin replied causing Shelly to giggle.

"You are so gross," Shelly said pinching his cheek.

"Starfox, huh," AJ said. "Man I beat that like a year ago." Shelly tuned them out as they began to argue over who was the better gamer. She wandered away, seeing that her friends had found comics to read or games to play.

"Stop cheating," Joe yelled from a demo close by.

"I’m not cheating," Greg yelled back.

"Excuse me, boys," Christy said to the two. "Mind if I watch?"

"Not at all," Joe smiled. "Stop cheating damn it!"

"Stop flirting and pay attention to the damn game," Greg replied. Joe grumbled something under his breath and stomped on Greg’s foot. "You bastard!"

"Greg are you all right," Christy cooed cradling his head.

"I am now," Greg said, smiling dreamily up at her.

"That was cheating, Joe," Christy said smacking his shoulder.

"He was cheating first," Joe replied. "Are we gonna finish this or what?"

"Bring it," Greg said.

"What are you guys playing," Christy asked.

"Tekken 5," Joe replied "And I’m about to kick this little punk’s ass!"

"It’s on now," Greg said cracking his knuckles and his neck. "Bring it on, tubby." Joe glared at him, but they continued playing. They furiously tapped away at the buttons on the controller. Soon Joe realized he was losing again. With a smirk he tried to stomp on Greg’s foot, but Greg moved causing his foot to crash into the counter the system was resting on.

Shelly wandered around the store, hearing Joe’s pained scream she shook her head. She looked through the racks of comic books until she happened upon an aisle where Raven was. With a smirk she snuck up to him, peeking over his shoulder at the comic he was reading.

"Drooling over Elektra are we," she said, causing him to jump.

"What the hell are you doing in here," Raven demanded.

"AJ dragged us in here," Shelly said shrugging. "So, you’ve given up on real women and have resorted to fictional assassins?"

"Shut up," Raven said closing the comic and setting it back on the rack.

"I’m just messin’ with ya," Shelly said. "Elektra is wicked cool."

"You think so," Raven said smiling. "I never would have taken you for a comic book geek."

"I haven’t read one in years," Shelly replied. "But I used to when I was kid."

"Hey, have you seen the X-Men comics," Daniels asked, a stack of comics in his arms, joining the two.

"Last aisle on the left," Raven replied and then did a double take.

"Thanks," Daniels replied and scurried off.

"Someone likes comics," Shelly laughed. "So you gonna get that Elektra?"

"Eh…I guess so," Raven said heading to the register.

"Had fun chatting with Raven," Sonjay asked as Shelly joined him.

"Oh yeah," Shelly replied. "What are they arguing about?" She pointed toward Sabin, Lethal and AJ.

"Jay said that he could totally kick AJ’s ass at Madden ’07 and then Chris said that he could kick both their asses and then AJ started yelling that he was the ultimate gamer," Sonjay replied in one breath.

Shelly sighed and shook her head heading over to the arguing men. "Shut up, all three of you," Shelly yelled causing the entire store to stare at her. "You’re grown men for crying out loud! Act like it!"

"Can we go now," Gail asked. "I’m getting bored in here."

"Good idea," Shelly replied. "Let’s go, AJ." He obediently followed.

"I saw this adorable bikini that I wanted to try on," Gail said as they exited the store. Hearing this all of the men followed them to the next store.

Gail grabbed the bikini and headed into the changing stall while her friends looked around. Outside the store all the guys had taken up the bench outside awaiting Gail’s reveal. All eyes were on the store patiently waiting to see how Gail would look.

"What do you think," she asked exiting the changing stall wearing a black bikini with red rhinestone hearts on each breast and the crotch. She looked at her friends and realized that the guys outside were all giving her the thumbs up.

"You look amazing in that," Christy exclaimed.

"That seals it," Gail said smiling. "I’m definitely getting this." She spotted a few more bikinis and tried each one on. With each bikini AJ realized that there was a growing problem in his pants. He quickly excused himself to go to the bathroom.

Seeing this Daniels and Raven followed him into the men’s room. They found AJ splashing cold water on his face and mumbling to himself. Raven began to snicker as they approached the distraught young man.

"What’s the matter, AJ," Raven teased. "Have your first boner and don’t know what to do?"

"Shut up, Raven," AJ said glaring at him.

"Relax," Raven replied. "It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Every guy gets a stiffy when they see a hot chick half naked."

"You’re disgusting," AJ said drying off his face.

"Tact would be a good thing," Daniels said shaking his head at Raven. "AJ, it’s all right. Gail is an attractive woman and sometimes you can’t control what or who your body reacts to."

"You have no idea how hard it is to watch these girls parading around the stores," AJ sighed. "They’re going to kill me."

"Oh for Christ’s sake," Raven groaned. "You’re married not dead. Enjoy the free show and get over yourself!" With that he left the bathroom in a huff, muttering something about AJ’s manhood.

{Chapter 8}

When Daniels and AJ finally emerged from the men’s room Sabin jumped on AJ’s back. "Piggy back ride," he exclaimed.

"Damn it, Sabin," AJ exclaimed, trying to right himself with the added weight on his back. "You’re not 4!"

"Come on," Sabin pouted. "Piggy back ride, please?"

Joe, Raven and Greg began to snicker. "Say one word and I will throw him at all three of you," AJ grumbled.

"Relax," Raven replied still snickering. "Don’t abuse your girlfriend." That made Greg and Joe lose it. Tears came to their eyes from laughing.

"I want a piggy back ride too," Sonjay pouted, looking at Joe pitifully.

Joe stopped laughing and glared at Sonjay, who gave him sad puppy eyes and stuck out his bottom lip. Joe sighed running a hand down his face. "All right," he said. "Hop on."

"YAY," Sonjay exclaimed jumping on Joe’s back, making him stagger.

"Chris," Shelly said nudging him in the ribs with her elbow. "These would make awesome MySpace pics!"

Daniels pulled out his camera and snapped a picture of AJ giving Sabin a piggy back ride. "Hey," AJ exclaimed. "Chris that is not funny." He dropped Sabin to his feet. Sabin groaned in disappointment that the ride was over.

"Actually, it’s hilarious," Daniels replied smiling. "That is a keeper," he said showing Shelly, who giggled.

He turned around to snap a picture of Joe, but found himself face to face with the angry Samoan. "Hey, Joe," Daniels chuckled nervously. Joe looked at the camera. "I wouldn’t dream of taking a pic of you, Joe," he said backing up. When he was far enough away from the angry Samoan he quickly snapped the pic.

"Son of a bitch," Joe growled, dropping Sonjay unceremoniously on the floor. He landed with a loud thud on his ass. Joe sprinted to catch up with Daniels, but the smaller man was too fast for him.

Daniels finally ducked into a store to get away from Joe, ducking into a changing stall. Leaning against the wall of the stall to catch his breath, he caught a glimpse of himself in the full length mirror. The sight in the mirror made him straighten up and gulp. Behind him in the stall stood a half dressed, very angry woman.

"I am so sorry," Daniels gasped. "I had no idea there was anyone in here."

The woman glared at him a moment before she let out a blood curdling scream. Daniels did not need any other sign to tell him to get out of there. He found the doorknob and quickly exited the stall, running right into Joe.

"I am going to kill you," Joe said in a low menacing voice.

By this time the others had caught up to the two and Lethal, Dutt and Sabin began to giggle. "Joe’s gonna kill you," the three began to chant in a sing song manner. Daniels glared at them a moment before turning his attention back to Joe.

Daniels gulped hard. "Listen, Joe, it was just in good fun. You know," he began, but Joe continued to advance on him. "I can press the delete button. See." He attempted to delete the picture, but Joe swatted the camera out of his hands, throttling him instead. "My camera," Daniels groaned, his voice strangled by Joe’s hands clamping down around his neck.

Everyone watched as in slow motion the camera plummeted to the tile floor, shattering on impact. Everyone cringed at the sound it made. "I will kill you," Joe continued to growl as Daniels slowly began to lose consciousness.

"Joe," Shelly called, trying to pry the huge Samoan off of her friend. "The camera is shattered. The picture doesn’t exist anymore!" AJ, Raven and Greg soon joined her and before long the three men had wrestled him away. Shelly helped Daniels stay on his feet, checking his neck for any marks. He gasped for breath, but seemed otherwise uninjured. "You gonna be all right," she asked him.

He nodded rubbing his sore neck. "My camera," he groaned rushing to his shattered camera. He scooped up all of the pieces and whimpered at the state of his brand new camera. "All that money down the tubes," he sighed, dumping the pieces into the trash.

"I know something that will cheer you up," Traci said smirking. Daniels perked up at her words. "Ladies, how about a little fashion show for the boys?"

"Yes, oh God, please yes," Raven begged.

"I don’t know," Christy teased. "I don’t think they deserve it."

"Come on," Gail said smiling. "It can be the perfect way to cap off the shopping trip."

"Please," Lethal, Dutt and Sabin begged.

"What the hell," Shelly said. "One outfit each. That’s all you get boys." They groaned, but agreed.

"Now, you sit right her in the seat of honor," Jackie said to Daniels as they went into the final store and picked out an outfit a piece to try on.

"You ready," Val called from the first changing stall. When she heard the men holler that they were she exited the stall. She wore a violet dress that came to just below her ass. The material floated away from her hips. She wore purple three inch heels with clear rhinestones along the toes.

She walked over to the men smiling seductively as she twirled, making the dress fly up just a little for them to get a peak at her black lace panties. She winked at Daniels before heading back into the stall.

"You should buy that one, Val," Sabin called. "You look fabulous in it."

Next up was Traci. She exited the stall wearing a tight, long sleeved black sheath dress that came to mid-thigh. Her ample breasts were practically pouring out of the V in the neckline. On her feet she wore black stiletto heels. She sauntered over to Daniels, bending down to place a kiss on his bald head. He smiled up at her dreamily as she winked at him and made her way back to the stall.

"Lucky bastard," Raven muttered, crossing his arms across his chest and sulking.

Gail exited the changing stall next. She wore a pale pink denim micro-mini skirt with a white baby tee with a pink star on it. It came to just above her navel, revealing a diamond navel ring. On her feet she sported knee high wedge heels boots. She modeled the clothes for the men, smiling at the low whistles she heard from them all.

"Thanks boys," she said blowing all of them a kiss.

She headed back to the stall to change. Traci and Val were at the register making their purchases. They both smiled seeing that the fashion show was cheering up Daniels and that the rest of the guys were having such a good time.

Christy was up next and she did not disappoint the men. She exited the changing stall wearing a turquoise halter top that came to a point in the front and was backless, with it she wore a pair of black Capri pants and turquoise stiletto heels. She did a twirl for the men, smiling and winking at them.

"Baby, you need to come to the clubs with me and be sure to wear that," Jay Lethal said. Christy giggled, but nodded telling him that he had a deal.

"You’re up next, Jackie," Christy called, knocking on the changing stall door before heading into her own to change.

"I’m ready," Jackie called. She soon exited the stall wearing a royal blue button down shirt, tied in a knot, black jeans that fit her like a second skin and black kitten heeled shoes. "What do you think boys?" All of the men were speechless. All they could do was simply nod their approval mutely.

Traci, Val, Gail and Christy had joined the group and couldn’t help giggling at the reaction. Jackie headed back to the changing stalls knocking on the door to the stall next to hers. "You’re on, Shell," she called.

"You know," Shelly said nervously. "I’m not real sure about the outfit I picked."

"Oh come on," Val called.

"Yeah," Daniels said. "We wanna see."

"Hang on a moment," AJ said getting up. "Let me see if I can coax her out." He walked over to the stall and knocked gently. "Shell? Can I come in?"

"I’d really rather you didn’t," she replied.

"It can’t be that bad," AJ said. "Just let me in." With a sigh she unlocked the door. He glanced at his friends and motioned for them to wait a moment.

"How come Styles gets a free show," Raven demanded. Traci slapped him upside the head. "Hey!"

"Shut it, birdman," she replied.

When AJ stepped into the stall he found Shelly sitting on the bench, her head bowed. He couldn’t see much of her outfit, but he could tell she was feeling self conscious. He squatted in front of her and tilted her head up so that her brown eyes met his. He could see the insecurity she felt and he wanted to do his best to reassure her.

"Now, what’s the problem," he asked softly.

"I don’t know," she replied. "I bet the other girls all looked drop dead gorgeous." She sighed and looked away. "I just don’t fit in with them."

"Are you kidding me," AJ said forcing her to meet his gaze again. "If I wasn’t married already I would scoop you up so fast." Her cheeks flushed. "Stand up, let me see what you picked out." She did as he asked and twirled around for him. He smiled appreciatively. "You look just as gorgeous as the other ladies, if not more so," he said. "Now, there are a bunch of guys out there that want to see what you picked out."

"All right," Shelly replied glancing at her reflection in the mirror. "Give me a minute." He watched as she pulled a small brush and some elastic bands from her purse as well as some lip gloss.

"All right," he said as he watched her fixing her hair. He slipped out of the changing stall and headed back to his friends.

"Well," Raven demanded.

"She’ll be out in a minute," AJ replied. "Be patient."

As promised a minute later the changing stall door opened to reveal Shelly wearing a pink and black plaid, pleated mini skirt, thigh high fishnets stockings, a pink baby tee that revealed the sun tattoo around her navel and knee high black stiletto heeled boots. Her hair was pulled into pig tails and her lips shimmered with pink gloss. In her mouth she sucked on a cherry lollipop.

"Very nice," Raven said appreciatively. Smiling she skipped over to him and sat down in his lap.

"You really like it," she asked, rubbing his chest.

"Oh yeah," he replied.

"Hey! You’re supposed to be cheering me up," Daniels exclaimed.

"Shut it, baldy," Raven said, an arm snaking around Shelly’s waist.

"Boys," Shelly said smiling. "There’s no need to fight over little ol’ me." She removed Raven’s arm and stood, her skirt riding up just a little bit causing Raven to groan.

"I just don’t think it’s me," Shelly said looking at herself in the mirror. "I don’t think I want to get this outfit."

"Of course it is," Raven said. "Come on. You could be the naughty school girl and I can spank you with my yardstick."

Shelly snickered and replied. "Raven, you wish it was that big." The men all burst out laughing. All the ladies gave her high fives.

"That was low," Raven replied, his face serious, but he soon cracked and began laughing. "You got me good, kid," he said laughing. "Seriously though, you look amazing in that. You really should get it."

"All right," Shelly said heading into the changing stall to change back into her street clothes. "Everyone ready to go," she asked once she had made her purchase and joined her friends.

"Yeah," Gail said checking her watch. "We should head back to the arena. Impact will be starting soon."

"Oh and, AJ, you need to hit the ATM on the way out," Jackie reminded him. He nodded as Shelly hooked her arm through his and Christy did the same on the side of him.

{Chapter 9}

"ATM," Shelly said to AJ as they all headed to the exit of the mall. AJ nodded pulling out his wallet and his bank card. Shelly and Christy joined the group at the doors waiting for AJ to join them.

"What on earth is Sonjay doing," Jackie giggled, seeing Sonjay follow AJ to the ATM. He was trying to sneak a peek at the keypad.

"Sonjay get the hell away from me," AJ yelled shoving him away.

Sonjay stumbled back and replied, "Fine, be a dick about it." He stormed over to the group and pouted, his arms crossed across his chest.

"What did you do," Shelly demanded.

"He was trying to get my PIN number," AJ replied sliding his wallet into his back pocket.

"Sonjay…I just don’t even have words," Shelly sighed tiredly. "You’re a special kind of retard."

Sonjay smiled wide. "I’m special," he said to Lethal and Sabin.

"You sure are, buddy," Lethal said patting on the shoulder.

"You’re more than special," Sabin said. "We should get back to the arena. Come on Sonjay." He led his small group out to their car.

"We should head back too," Daniels said. Everyone said goodbye to him, Joe and Greg.

"You ladies ready to go," AJ asked.

"Yup," Traci said. "Been a good day of shopping."

AJ led the way to the car, opening the trunk to store their purchases. He retained one bag for the car ride home. As the ladies piled into the car he pulled out his CDs and popped one into the player.

"What is that," Shelly asked and groaned when she heard the Spice Girls begin to sing. Everyone began to laugh hysterically at Shelly’s reaction. "AJ…I swear…this is what hell sounds like."

"Deal with it," he replied sliding behind the wheel of the car and rode to the toll booth at the exit of the mall. He paid for the parking and headed out onto the highway to head back to the arena.

They arrived about a half hour later and parked in the lot. Despite hating the music on the ride back Shelly was laughing as she waited for AJ to open up the trunk. Traci decided to leave her bags in the car, since it was hers.

"Christy, you can leave your bags in my trunk since I’m giving you a ride home," Shelly said.

"All right," Christy said. "I just want to grab something to change into for the taping."

"Good idea," Shelly said pulling out the blue dress AJ had picked out for her. She smiled thinking about Raven and Rhino’s reactions when they saw her in it.Gail, Val and Jackie brought their bags to the car they shared. AJ had brought his bags to his car as well. They all met up on the way into the arena.

"If you wanna be my lover," Shelly sung as they headed in. "Damn it, AJ!" Christy began to giggle. "I am going to have that damn song stuck in my head! Stupid Spice Girls!"

"Admit it," AJ teased. "You love them as much as I do."

"You better run," Shelly said to him. "Because I will kill you."

"You have to catch me first," AJ exclaimed running ahead of her. Shelly was hot on his heels.

Christy joined Traci, Jackie, Val and Gail as they followed the two shaking their heads. Christy had to chuckle when Shelly nearly caught AJ, but at the last second he got away. They knew that it was going to be a long night in the back that night.